882.00/855
The Chargé in Liberia (Reber) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 1.]
Sir: Supplementing the Legation’s telegram No. 125 of September 22nd [21st], 9 p.m. and others relating to the program of reform proposed by President King, I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of letters exchanged between the Financial Adviser and the President outlining this program.
In a series of conferences initiated by the President shortly after the return of Mr. Loomis to Monrovia, for the purpose of discussing the differences which had arisen between the Liberian Government and the Finance Corporation, the Financial Adviser was able to suggest that reforms not be limited merely to the settlement of the alleged breaches of the loan agreement on the ground that the economic welfare of the Government was dependent upon general improvements. The failure of Mr. Loomis to interest foreign banks to take over the business of the British Bank of West Africa was another factor, which emphasized the necessity for such changes. The main provisions of the campaign of reform are outlined in the attached copies of letters written in confirmation of these conferences and approved by the President in writing. They are as follows:
- 1.
- Reform in fiscal matters. The letter to the Fiscal Agents (enclosure No. 1)35
- 2.
- Reform of the Administration of the Interior (letter No. 1 PCE—enclosure No. 2)36
- 3.
- Appointment of a commission to reform judicial procedure (letter No. 2 PCE—enclosure No. 3)36
- 4.
- Other financial matters, including construction of motor road (letter No. 3 PCE—enclosure No. 4)36
- 5.
- Agricultural improvement (letter No. 4 PCE—enclosure No. 5)36
- 6.
- Sanitary improvement (letter No. 5 PCE—enclosure No. 6)37
The question of the reorganization of the Frontier Force under the authority and command of the Military Adviser was also discussed but no final agreement reached.
Moreover, in view of the disagreements which existed between the Secretary of the Treasury, James Cooper, and the fiscal officers, the President agreed that the former should exchange portfolios with the Secretary of Public Works, John Louis Morris, on the first of October, since it was felt that there could be a greater degree of cooperation between the latter and the loan officials. Although Mr. Morris was appointed Secretary of the Treasury on the first, Cooper was made Secretary of the Interior in the place of Jeremiah Harris who was moved to the Department of Public Works. By these appointments it would appear that the fiscal officers will be freer from the policy of obstruction which has heretofore characterized the actions of the former Secretary of the Treasury, but the situation in the Interior Department does not promise well in the future. The latter official is not apparently in sympathy with the program of reform and is opposed to foreign aid. It is to be feared that should the proposed appointment of European or American District Commissioners be agreed upon, they will not be free from constant petty attacks upon their authority and jurisdiction.…
On September 25th when the President proposed that the Legation transmit to the United States Government a note assuring it that the Liberian Government proposed to accept the recommendations and suggestions of the International Commission of Inquiry and to ask for the advice and assistance of the United States in the execution of reforms, he stated that it was his intention to submit this proposal to his Cabinet for its approval. It was felt at that time that the Cabinet would not be in sympathy with this project and would endeavor to change or weaken the terms of the note.
Cabinet meetings were being held daily at that time to discuss the report of the International Commission and to suggest action to be taken by the Liberian Government in regard to its findings and recommendations. A report signed by Edwin Barclay, Secretary of State, Jeremiah Harris and John Louis Morris was submitted on September 26th to the President and provided for a series of partial reforms without measures for their enforcement. A copy of this report which has not yet been made public is enclosed herewith. (Enclosure No. 7.)38 Its tone indicates that the Committee accepted with reluctance certain of the findings of the International Commission and hoped that a few vague promises of reforms would satisfy others as to the intention of the Liberian Government to effect improvements in the conditions of slavery and forced labor which had been found to exist. In view of the discussion which [Page 360] arose in connection with this report the President has stated that he did not consider it an opportune moment for the submission of his note. Consequently he showed it only to the Secretary of State, who most unwillingly agreed that it should be sent.
The provision of this report that a proclamation declaring slavery and pawning to be illegal should be issued has already been carried out, and a copy of this proclamation is attached (enclosure No. 8).39 It is considered that this proclamation will be difficult of enforcement unless effective supervision is exercised throughout the hinterland districts, where the existence of tribal slavery and pawning are reported to have become traditional and to be well recognized.
The President has stated that he will submit the details of his program of reform to the Legislature in his annual message to be delivered shortly after its opening session on October 13th. In a conversation held on the occasion of the delivery of the Department’s reply to the President’s communication, he stated to me that it was his desire to ask that the United States Government propose for appointment the name of a competent administrator to be appointed as senior District Commissioner who would draw up a plan for the reorganization of the hinterland administration. Should this official be granted adequate authority for the enforcement of his regulations and should his appointment be followed within a reasonable period by that of other competent Commissioners for the remaining Districts, it would appear that the recommendations of the Commission which suggest the immediate appointment of foreign officials for all Districts would not seriously be weakened. The President also indicated to me, however, that he did not intend that the interior should promptly be opened to foreign commercial penetration but merely area by area in accord with the law of 1923 which provides that districts in the Hinterland shall from time to time be declared open to trade and commerce by Presidential proclamation.
It is difficult to tell whether the President is sincere in his desire for reform or whether he is merely making a gesture which will upon its presentation to the Legislature endeavor to calm the opposition of the People’s Party and to persuade other nations that reform can be brought about without interference.
The only measures adopted up to the date of writing have been the proclamation previously referred to and the approval of executive orders revising the numbering of checks as explained in paragraph No. 2 of the President’s letter to the Fiscal Agents and placing the collection of internal revenues in the Counties in the hands of the [Page 361] Commission of Internal Revenue, a loan official, rather than under the County District Commissioners, officials of the Department of Interior.
Respectfully yours,